High BP and Heart disease: Understanding the Connection
High BP and Heart Disease: Understanding the Connection High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is one of the most common risk factors for heart disease. It often develops without obvious symptoms, which is why it is sometimes called a “silent killer.” When blood pressure remains high for a long period, the heart has to work harder than normal. Over time, this increased workload can damage the heart and blood vessels and increase the risk of serious cardiovascular problems. How Does High BP Affect the Heart? Every time your heart beats, blood is pushed against the walls of your arteries. When this pressure remains consistently high, the arteries and heart can become damaged. Long-term uncontrolled hypertension can: * Make the heart muscle thicker and stiffer * Increase the workload on the heart * Damage the inner lining of blood vessels * Contribute to the formation of cholesterol plaques * Increase the risk of heart attack * Increase the risk of heart failure * Increase the r...